Dont Mess with Texas Elizabeth Ames Jones tells EPA

Challenge EPA Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Railroad Commissioners Ask Attorney General Abbott Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Yet again another EPA rule targets Texas by putting jobs & energy reliability directly in the crosshairs because of radical environmental policies driven by unelected federal bureaucrats. As the countrys 5th largest coal producing state and the top job creating state Americans rely on Texas energy and Texas jobs to fuel our economic recovery. Dont mess with Texas."

Elizabeth Ames Jones Chairman Texas Railroad Commission announcing that the Railroad Commission has asked Attorney General Greg Abbott to challenge (click here to view request) the Environmental Protection Agencys Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.    

EPAs Cross-State Air Pollution Rule requires 27 states including Texas to significantly reduce power plant emissions that cross state lines and contribute to ozone and fine particulate pollution in other states beginning January 2010. The rule threatens the viability of the Texas lignite mining industry including its jobs and associated economic activity. Additionally the potential loss of lignite to fuel Texas power plants significantly threatens electric reliability in Texas as the Electric Reliability Council (ERCOT) has stated that Texas could face a power generation shortage if this rule is implemented. Commissioner David Porter said

This rule leaves many coal-fired power plants with no other alternative than to greatly reduce output or shut down completely killing jobs and increasing the probability of rolling blackouts during peak demand. We have experienced record heat this summer and if you think its hot this summer wait until next summer when we dont have these electric plants online."

Said Commissioner Barry Smitherman This rule is just another attempt by overzealous Obama appointees to stifle economic growth in Texas. The EPA effectively shut Texas out of negotiations on this rule and demonstrated that they have no interest in scientific evidence or facts. If this ill-considered rule is allowed to stand it will damage the reliability of our electric grid and thereby harm the citizens the EPA claims to be protecting" Smitherman said.

The Commission believes that EPAs rulemaking process was legally flawed. The rule is not supported by credible and accurate technical data and the rule will have adverse economic consequences for Texas without demonstrable environmental and health benefits.